Relief after the drama

AFTER going without a contest for 18 years since 1993, this President Election finished in dramatic fashion.

After a recount of all valid votes cast, Dr Tony Tan emerged the winner.

But it was by a razor-thin margin of about 7,269 votes (0.34 per cent).

Just before 2am, with less than 2 per cent of the votes separating Dr Tony Tan and Dr Tan Cheng Bock, a recount was ordered.

But by 4.20am, the final results were in. Dr Tony Tan got 35.19 per cent of the more than 2.1 million valid votes cast. Dr Tan Cheng Bock got 34.85 per cent of the valid votes. Mr Tan Jee Say got 25.04 per cent and Mr Tan Kin Lian finished with 4.91 per cent of valid votes cast.